Agenda and minutes

No declarations were made at the meeting.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the two meetings held on 22^nd January 2022, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Committee considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources which provided an overview of the Councils progress, performance, and financial position in delivering against the strategic plan and delivery plan at the end of quarter 3.  The Cabinet member explained that the unavoidable delay in reporting the information meant that some of the challenges faced by the council at the end of quarter 3 had changed.  Pressures for domiciliary care, health care support etc were at levels similar to previous quarters but the overall financial position had improved and some saving targets had been achieved during quarter 4.

The report format had been developed to reflect the committees wish to see a ‘RAG’ rating: a summary page; key challenges; and a selection of important performance indicators which included trend information where possible.

During the debate and questions on the report, the following information was shared with Members:

1)       The Governments financial support for tracking Covid would come to an end shortly.  The Council would not be requesting that they continue to receive funding for the same level of tracking.  It was felt that there was a sufficient and flexible infrastructure within the council which could be called upon should covid figures demand further action.

2)       The Household Support Fund of £5.5m had been used to support the cost of living crisis.  The fund had been split between the 8 districts.  Knowledge gained from the Covid crisis would be used to support communities working together and the fund would continue to support those most in need and households facing financial hardship.  Detail on the spend was contained in the report. 

3)       The Warmer Homes Fund (WHF) would also support people with rising fuel costs and energy efficiency.  Following a number of questions on the WHF it was agreed that information on how the funds were spent in each District/Borough would be provided to the Committee in the quarter 4 report, along with delivery targets and any problems being experienced.

4)       Debt from individuals was treated differently to that of partners such as the NHS.  It was explained that the NHS debt was a systems issue not an unwillingness to pay or disputed debt.  There were concerns that Integrated Care may complicate this further if not addressed early.

5)       There were many different funds with different aims and targets. It was reported that the Council was continuing to lobby Central Government to try to allocate funds in a less piecemeal fashion and on a more needs base basis, therefore reducing the competition between partners to bid for the same funds.  This would enable better planning and better outcomes. Working with partners, Boroughs and Districts was described as ‘better than ever’, due to the pandemic and it was hoped that this would be continued and built on to provide support to those in most need.

6)       As part of the Levelling up white paper, Central Government have recognised the funding competition issue and would look at streamlining the process,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The Chairman explained that the items in the pending section of the work programme would be developed and considered by the Committee at the first meeting of the municipal year.  The work on partnerships would be considered in separate reports.

RESOLVED: That the work programme be noted.